Refactor: Press releases (#261)

src/_press/cal-itp-coast-rta-msa.md

@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ outlet: "Cal-ITP"
 
 Cal-ITP—Caltrans’ California Integrated Travel Project—supported Coast RTA through the process of purchasing open-loop payment
 acceptance devices and fare calculation software from the State of California’s competitively awarded
-[Master Service Agreements](https://www.calitp.org/assets/Contactless.Payments.MSA.pdf?utm_source=Coast+RTA+Press+Release&utm_medium=pr+email+social) (MSAs),
+[Master Service Agreements](/press/cal-itp-dgs-rfp-msa?utm_source=Coast+RTA+Press+Release&utm_medium=pr+email+social) (MSAs),
 contracts that allow U.S. transit agencies to purchase hardware and software services directly from vendors without further
 competitive bidding.
 

src/_press/cal-itp-dgs-rfp-msa.md

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+---
+date: "2022-03-9T17:00:00-07:00"
+title: State of California’s purchasing agreements allow public transit agencies across U.S. to skip procurement and quickly modernize fare collection systems
+heading: |-
+  State of California’s purchasing agreements allow public transit agencies across U.S. to skip procurement and quickly modernize fare collection systems
+intro: |-
+  California is making it easier and more affordable for public transportation providers anywhere in the U.S. to acquire the tools to allow riders a convenient option to pay their fare using a contactless credit/debit/prepaid card or mobile wallet on a smart device.
+tags:
+  - Contactless Payment
+outlet: "Cal-ITP"
+---
+
+The California Department of General Services (DGS), in collaboration with the California Integrated Travel Project ([Cal-ITP](https://www.calitp.org/)), conducted a Request for Proposal that established six Master Service Agreements (MSAs) allowing public transportation providers to purchase directly from vendors without further competitive bidding.
+
+Agencies throughout the U.S. can take advantage of the MSAs to purchase the key hardware and software needed to accept contactless payments.
+
+“Open-loop contactless fare payments that accept contactless bank cards and mobile wallets are proven to lower expenses and will increase ridership, and California is streamlining the process for transit providers all over the country to make implementing the system as simple as tapping to pay,” said Monterey-Salinas Transit General Manager/CEO Carl Sedoryk.
+
+The building blocks to launch contactless fare payment systems are available from six different vendors via the [DGS Cal eProcure website](https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/LPASearch/lpa-search.aspx) and the [California Mobility Marketplace](https://www.camobilitymarketplace.org/contracts/):
+
+- Payment Acceptance Devices (PADs), including validators for buses, trains, and light rail, allowing customers to pay with contactless credit/debit/prepaid cards and mobile wallets on smart devices; and
+- Transit Processor Services, the fare calculation and processing software that charges the correct fare when a rider taps to pay, including the ability to offer fare capping.
+
+“Simplifying the payment options for public transportation not only adds convenience, but it can help increase ridership, which supports California’s goals to reduce carbon emissions,” said DGS Director Ana M. Lasso. “DGS is proud to play a part in broadening access to public transportation across the country by utilizing its purchasing power for local governments.”
+
+More information about the benefits of offering open-loop contactless fare payments is available on the [California Mobility Marketplace](https://www.camobilitymarketplace.org/go-contactless), which is managed by Cal-ITP. Supported by the California State Transportation Agency, Cal-ITP is a Caltrans-led statewide solution to make travel planning and payments simpler and more cost-effective for transit providers and riders. Through Cal-ITP, numerous
+transportation providers in California—including Monterey Salinas-Transit, Sacramento Regional Transit light rail, Clean Air Express, and Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District—have launched successful contactless payment demonstrations.
+
+To make the transition to contactless fare collection as easy and cost-effective as possible, Cal-ITP provides extensive support to transit agencies. Agencies that would like to take advantage of Cal-ITP’s technical assistance can indicate interest via this [Cal-ITP Support Request Form: bit.ly/Cal-ITPsupport](bit.ly/Cal-ITPsupport).
+
+For more information, email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

src/_press/cal-itp-first-net-cellular-plans.md

@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+---
+date: "2022-11-3T17:00:00-07:00"
+title: Discounted cellular data plans now available for U.S. public transportation providers via California Mobility Marketplace
+heading: |-
+  Discounted cellular data plans now available for U.S. public transportation providers via California Mobility Marketplace
+lead: |-
+  Caltrans’ Cal-ITP negotiates below-market rates for wider coverage areas and offers grant-based subsidies to state transit agencies via California Mobility Marketplace
+intro: |-
+  Whether accepting customers’ mobile wallets for fare payments or sharing the live location of a bus, public transportation providers are using more technology and internet-connected devices to improve the rider experience. To match this need for cellular data, Caltrans’ California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) negotiated below-market rates for data-only plans that can be tapped by transit agencies—in California and throughout the U.S. California transit agencies can also access even lower payments through state subsidies by reaching out to Cal-ITP for technical support.
+tags:
+  - Data Plans
+outlet: "Cal-ITP"
+---
+
+## Increased coverage at lower monthly rates
+
+These specialized plans run on [FirstNet](https://www.camobilitymarketplace.org/contracts/view?contracts-filter-product=Data%20Plans), the U.S. government’s dedicated first-
+responder network, with connectivity provided by AT&T. FirstNet receives federal
+funding to provide coverage not only in areas of customer demand but also in remote
+locations where emergency services may need to operate. In California, this means
+covering rural areas that often lack a commercial cellular network. Coverage can be
+viewed on [FirstNet’s website](https://www.firstnet.com/coverage.html).
+
+“Cal-ITP worked directly with FirstNet to ensure that contracting is as easy as possible, lowering barriers and price points for all U.S. transit agencies,” said Gillian Gillett, who leads [Cal-ITP](https://www.calitp.org/), which aims to make riding by bus and rail simpler and more cost-effective by standardizing trip-planning information and modernizing fare collection systems. “We’re excited about helping rural agencies gain access to cell service in areas where commercial plans don’t offer coverage and about being able to subsidize the plan pricing when California agencies reach out to Cal-ITP for technical support.”
+
+The FirstNet plans are available via Cal-ITP’s [California Mobility Marketplace](https://www.camobilitymarketplace.org/contracts/?utm_source=FirstNet+PR&utm_medium=Press+Release) and are
+tiered in three cellular data levels to accommodate transit providers’ varying needs:
+
+- **1GB**: will support General Transit Feed Specification Realtime (GTFS-RT)—the
+  global standard for providing up-to-date transit information.
+- **3GB**: will support GTFS-RT and two contactless fare payment validators.
+- **Unlimited**: will support any cellular data–connected devices\* used in transit
+  operations. With this plan, transit agencies will be able to afford the data plans
+  necessary to continue bringing the best service to their riders into the future.
+
+_(\* None of these plans includes customer WiFi, as only transit operational needs qualify for the first-responder network. If customer-facing WiFi is desired, commercial plans through CALNET are also available on the [California Mobility Marketplace](https://www.camobilitymarketplace.org/contracts/).)_
+
+The monthly pricing for each of these FirstNet plans is based on which data level an
+agency selects as well as the cumulative total number of SIMs (subscriber identity
+modules, the smart cards that store identification information to pinpoint a device to a specific mobile network) purchased via FirstNet nationwide:
+
+<table class="table table-striped">
+  <thead>
+    <tr>
+      <th><em>Tier</em><br># of SIMs</th>
+      <th><em>Tier 1</em><br>(&lt; 2,999 SIMs)</th>
+      <th><em>Tier 2</em><br>(3,000-9,999 SIMs)</th>
+      <th><em>Tier 3</em><br>(&gt; 10,000 SIMs)</th>
+    </tr>
+  </thead>
+  <tbody>
+    <tr>
+      <th>1GB Plan<br><em>(monthly cost per SIM)</em></th>
+      <td>$10.00</td>
+      <td>$7.50</td>
+      <td>$4.99</td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <th>3GB Plan<br><em>(monthly cost per SIM)</em></th>
+      <td>$25.00</td>
+      <td>$20.00</td>
+      <td>$14.99</td>
+    </tr>
+    <tr>
+      <th>Unlimited Plan<br><em>(monthly cost per SIM)</em></th>
+      <td>$35.00</td>
+      <td>$35.00</td>
+      <td>$29.99</td>
+    </tr>
+  </tbody>
+</table>
+
+## Subsidized pricing for a limited time
+
+To make it even more cost effective for California transit agencies to climb aboard a
+FirstNet contract, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA)—as the fiscal
+sponsor of Cal-ITP—is using state funding to support subsidies to the lowest-tier
+FirstNet price. Cal-ITP plans to subsidize the first 2,999 SIM purchases to Tier 3 pricing, through at least June 30, 2023.
+
+With a cellular data plan, transit agencies can operate technology such as:
+
+- Router
+- CAD/AVL (Computer-Aided Dispatch / Automatic Vehicle Location)
+- Camera feeds
+- GTFS devices
+- Fare payment validators
+- … and more!
+
+An agency’s technology can be connected through multiple SIMs (one per device) or a
+single SIM (one in a router):
+
+- **Multiple SIMs**: Each device could be powered by a SIM that connects to the network. These SIMs would have smaller data plans.
+- **Single SIM**: A single router could provide connectivity to multiple devices. The router’s SIM would need a larger data plan.
+
+## Tap these rates—and Cal-ITP’s free technical support
+
+To access these rates and potentially apply Cal-ITP’s funding, email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) to get started. The Cal-ITP team is happy to answer questions and provide free technical support through the process.
+
+If you have additional questions about FirstNet coverage or its SIM management
+platform, please connect with Ryley Krausen at AT&T Advanced Mobility Solutions:
+[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
+
+## More about Cal-ITP
+
+The California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) was established by the California
+State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and California Department of Transportation
+(Caltrans) to both improve and encourage the use of multimodal travel throughout
+California—by enabling contactless open-loop payments, standardizing information for
+easy multimodal trip planning, and automating customer discounts ([Cal-ITP Benefits](https://www.calitp.org/press/cal-itp-benefits-launch)).
+Over the past year, Cal-ITP successfully led contactless open-loop payment
+implementations in California on Monterey-Salinas and Santa Barbara buses;
+Sacramento light rail; on-demand transit vans in San Diego; and LAX’s FlyAway bus,
+which connects airport passengers to commuter rail.
+
+Learn more at [calitp.org](https://calitp.org) and on [@California_ITP](https://twitter.com/california_itp?utm_source=FirstNet+PR&utm_medium=Press+Release) on Twitter, or by subscribing to the
+[Caltrans Mobility Newsletter](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/eLbtFoE/calitp?FNPR=&utm_source=FirstNet+PR&utm_medium=Press+Release). And visit Cal-ITP’s [CAMobilityMarketplace.org](camobilitymarketplace.org/) for a
+catalog of code-compliant products and services for public mobility providers, including contactless payment acceptance hardware and software. Agencies that would like to tap Cal-ITP’s technical assistance can indicate interest via this [Cal-ITP Support Request Form](https://www.camobilitymarketplace.org/contact) or by reaching out to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

src/_press/four-northern-california-transit-agencies-join-forces-to-buy-contactless-open-loop-fare-payment-systems-off-of-californias-purchasing-agreements.md

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ outlet: "Cal-ITP"
 
 Humboldt Transit Authority, Lake Transit Authority, Mendocino Transit Authority, and Redwood Coast Transit Authority—collectively part of North State Super Region working group, also known as the Far North Group—are the first group of agencies to band together to use the State of California’s competitively priced contracts to purchase and install the hardware and software services needed for accepting customers’ debit and credit cards and mobile wallets for fare payments.
 
-Cal-ITP—Caltrans’ California Integrated Travel Project—supported the agencies through the process of purchasing open-loop payment acceptance devices and fare calculation software from the State of California’s competitively awarded [Master Service Agreements](https://www.calitp.org/assets/Contactless.Payments.MSA.pdf?utm_source=Press+Release&utm_medium=Website&utm_id=FNG) (MSAs), contracts that allow U.S. transit agencies to purchase directly from vendors without further competitive bidding.
+Cal-ITP—Caltrans’ California Integrated Travel Project—supported the agencies through the process of purchasing open-loop payment acceptance devices and fare calculation software from the State of California’s competitively awarded [Master Service Agreements](/press/cal-itp-dgs-rfp-msa?utm_source=Press+Release&utm_medium=Website&utm_id=FNG) (MSAs), contracts that allow U.S. transit agencies to purchase directly from vendors without further competitive bidding.
 
 “We’re excited to offer contactless fare payment to the riders in our region, to make it easy for customers to choose public transportation and pay for bus rides the same way they do for other everyday purchases,” says Greg Pratt, General Manager of Humboldt Transit Authority. “California’s MSAs and Cal-ITP’s free technical support helped us save the hassle and expense of running our own procurement while modernizing our fare systems with contactless hardware and fare-calculation and payment-processing software services. And by purchasing together from the MSAs, we were able to take advantage of bulk-buy cost savings.”
 
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ In addition to enabling riders to tap to pay on fixed-route buses, the agencies
 
 ## About Cal-ITP
 
-The California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) was established by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to both improve and encourage the use of multimodal travel throughout California—by enabling contactless open-loop payments, standardizing information for easy multimodal trip planning, and automating customer discounts ([Cal-ITP Benefits](https://www.calitp.org/assets/Cal-ITP.Benefits.PressRelease.220921.pdf?utm_source=Press+Release&utm_medium=Website&utm_id=FNG)). Over the past two years, Cal-ITP successfully led contactless open-loop contactless payment implementations in California on Monterey-Salinas and Santa Barbara buses; Sacramento light rail; intercity passenger rail between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area; on-demand transit vans; and LAX’s FlyAway bus, which connects airport passengers to commuter rail.
+The California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) was established by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to both improve and encourage the use of multimodal travel throughout California—by enabling contactless open-loop payments, standardizing information for easy multimodal trip planning, and automating customer discounts ([Cal-ITP Benefits](/press/cal-itp-benefits-launch?utm_source=Press+Release&utm_medium=Website&utm_id=FNG)). Over the past two years, Cal-ITP successfully led contactless open-loop contactless payment implementations in California on Monterey-Salinas and Santa Barbara buses; Sacramento light rail; intercity passenger rail between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area; on-demand transit vans; and LAX’s FlyAway bus, which connects airport passengers to commuter rail.
 
 Learn more at [calitp.org](https://www.calitp.org/?utm_source=Press+Release&utm_medium=Website&utm_id=FNG) and on [@California_ITP](https://twitter.com/california_itp?utm_source=Press+Release&utm_medium=Website&utm_id=FNG) on Twitter, or by subscribing to the [Caltrans Mobility Newsletter](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/eLbtFoE/calitp?utm_source=Press+Release&utm_medium=Website&utm_id=FNG). And visit Cal-ITP’s [CAMobilityMarketplace.org](https://www.camobilitymarketplace.org/?utm_source=Press+Release&utm_medium=Website&utm_id=FNG) for a catalog of code-compliant products and services for public mobility providers, including contactless payment acceptance hardware and software and competitively priced cellular data plans.